Gillian Cuddy
Cookstown,County Tyrone
Summary
Driven and dynamic Regional Operations Manager with knack for streamlining processes and boosting team performance. Improved operational efficiency across multiple regions, leading to increased productivity and enhanced customer satisfaction. Skilled in fostering collaborative work environments and implementing strategic initiatives that align with company goals.
Detailed orientated individual experienced in overseeing day-to-day duties with strong planning and organisation skills to deliver projects in timely manner.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Regional Operations Manager
Musgrave
Covering 12 stores Fermanagh/Tyrone
2022.05 - Current
- Implement risk management strategies to assist in preventing potential issues as the company owned estate doubled in size.
- Manage regional teams to align activities with company objectives.
- Promote high performance and continuous improvement culture valuing learning and quality.
- Conduct regular performance reviews to encourage team development.
- Maintain health and safety standards across regional branches.
- Facilitate training programmes for staff development.
- Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and streamline operational processes for efficiency (project to mitigate rising employment costs)
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to complete projects on schedule, including 7 store refurbishments.
- Monitor health and safety measures for compliance.
- Organise financial and operational data for budgeting and planning.
- Establish budgets and cost control methods to meet objectives.
General store manager
Asda
Various
2010.09 - 2022.05
- Held General Store Manager position across various stores in Northern Ireland
- Led a rollout of major process change as Continuous Improvement Manager for Northern Ireland, for 3 years covering all 17 stores. Collaborated with an external consultancy company Newton to develop best practices, coached at shelf edge to land successfully, worked cross functionally with all departments in our Head Office and brought all levels of staff/management on the journey
- Part of trouble shooting team for opportunity store, held position of HR Manager for 18 months with involvement in landing new technology, dealing with recruitment, training, development, talent planning, disciplinary actions, grievance hearings, appeal hearings, absence management, redundancy consultation and change management
- Streamlined store operations for increased efficiency with detailed planning and organisation.
- Resolved customer complaints, enhancing overall brand perception.
- Implemented promotional strategies to boost sales during slow periods.
- Ensured adherence to health and safety regulations, maintaining a safe shopping environment for customers.
- Implemented loss prevention measures; minimised theft incidents.
- Executed visual merchandising standards, enhancing in-store experience for customers.
- Monitored competitor activities, adapting pricing strategies accordingly.
- Conducted performance reviews, leading to improved staff productivity.
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting team collaboration and open communication.
- Drove continuous improvement, communicating effectively across all levels within the organisation, providing high-level feedback on product and customer experience.
- Maintained store efficiencies, ensuring management staff provided clear, detailed handover during shift changes.
- Oversaw business staffing and training, building successful, customer-focused team.
- Enforced service standards to maintain establishment reputation for excellence.
Area Operations Manager
Lidl
Across England/Scotland/Wales
2002.04 - 2010.09
- Started as Area Manager with 5 stores in Edinburgh then NE England for 1 year
- Requested as Project Manager for Executive Board in London and Continuous Improvement Manager on South Coast to improve company performance (1 year)
- Promoted to Area Operations Manager for South Wales with responsibility for 33 stores, 6 Area Managers and 6 trainee Area Managers
- Launched a comprehensive program of refurbishments and collaborated with logistics to to improve efficiency after creation of new distribution centre
- Turned Bridgend Region from bottom performer to top in first year
- Overcame complex challenges through strategic decision making and problem-solving skills.
- Drove sales growth by optimising area operations processes and procedures.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives on time.
- Fostered a positive work environment through transparent communication and fair treatment.
- Implemented cost-saving measures, maintaining profitability during challenging market conditions.
- Championed the implementation of new technologies for enhanced operational efficiency.
- Achieved high customer satisfaction with a focus on quality service delivery.
- Led change management initiatives, promoting organisational adaptability in a dynamic market environment.
- Conducted regular audits for compliance with company and regulatory standards.
- Monitored health and safety measures for guaranteed compliance.
- Established clear budgets and cost controls strategies to meet objectives.
- Represented organisations at seminars, conferences and business events.
- Drafted procedural statements and guidelines for company-wide use.
- Facilitated team meetings aimed at sharing best practices and boosting overall performance.
Education
MA in International Business and Languages -
Heriot Watt University
Edinburgh 1997.09 - 2001.07
Skills
- Influential communication
- Multisite operations
- Change implementation
- Performance monitoring
- Leadership development
- Resilience under pressure
- Customer Service
Certification
Mental Health First Aider completed January 2025
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Regional Operations Manager
Musgrave
2022.05 - Current
General store manager
Asda
2010.09 - 2022.05
Area Operations Manager
Lidl
2002.04 - 2010.09
MA in International Business and Languages -
Heriot Watt University
1997.09 - 2001.07